How To Turn A Regular Bed Into A Daybed? Easy Made!

Daybeds are getting popular day by day because people are getting more into space-saving furniture. And considering how much attention daybeds are getting at the moment, many, like you, are tempted to get one.

But did you know that if you learn how to turn a regular bed into a daybed, you will not have to make a proper daybed without the need to spend any money at all? Well, it is certainly possible! In fact, we have converted many that look and feel precisely like a full-fledged daybed!

However, not all of the guides out there offer a proper step-by-step process. For that reason, we thought it would be the right time to share the most straightforward method that we learned through converting multiple beds. So, let us not waste any more of your time and get into describing the process, shall we?

10 Tools You Will Need to Convert Regular Bed to a Daybed

You will need to use a couple of tools for the project. And before we describe the steps, we would like to ensure you have a proper idea regarding why you will need them.

1. The Measure Tape

You will need a tape measurer to take measurements of the pieces that you will work on for this project.

2. Cutting Saw

As the name suggests, this tool will come in handy for cutting and shaping up the pieces. It can be either electric or manual. Both will work for this project.

3. Drill

The original holes on the wood will not work. For that reason, you will need a drill to make new holes.

4. Marker

We strongly believe that you should measure twice and cut once. And a marker will make it easier to mark the measurements and make precise cuts for this project.

5. Sander

After cutting the wood, you will be left with rough edges. Those would need to be smoothened out, which is where the sander will step in.

6. Sanding Paper

Sander is great and all, but you will need to use your elbow grease and work with sanding paper for maximum smoothness.

7. Painting Brush

The backing board will not look pleasing to the eyes after you are done with the project. That is where you will need a proper painting brush. Choose the ones that are from three inches to five inches in size.

8. Screwdriver

You will need to work with a couple of screws. And to tighten them properly, you must get yourself a proper screwdriver. Both the manual and electric versions will work for this project. You can even use the drill with the right attachments if you want to.

9. Screws

As we mentioned, you will need a good amount of screws for this project. For the backboard, pick the ones that are 1-inch thick. And for the headboard, pick something that is longer than 1-inch. Anything that is between 1-inch and 2 inches will be fine.

10. Protective Gears

Safety should be your number one priority when you are working on this project. Anything can go wrong, and you might end up with a severe injury. To lower the chances of that, you need to wear proper protective gear.

Get hand gloves for the hands, goggles for the eyes, a helmet for the head, working boots for the feet, and finally, an overall to protect your upper body.

Read More: Best Mattress For Your Daybed In 2022

Now Time to Make a Daybed Froma Regular Bed with Step by Step

With the description of the tools out of the way, let us get into the actual business. So, these are the steps that you would need to follow to convert your regular bed into a proper daybed:

Step 1: Take Measurements

First and foremost, you need to take the measurements of your regular bed. Start from the exterior edge of the headboard and measure towards the outer edge of the footboard. Note the measurement down.

Then, measure the rise of the footboard above the mattress and the headboard. Most of the beds will have the headboard rising a bit more than the footboard. If the case is the same for you, you must make some modifications.

On that note, most of the footboard and headboard will have to rise between 18 inches to 24 inches. So, keep the measurement in that range while noting things down.

Step 2: Make a Backing Board

Now, you should work with some boards. Do factor in the measurement that you just have noted down. That would be the distance from the footboard to the headboard. Cut one or two boards by keeping that measurement in your mind.

This board must be capable of properly supporting the back of the daybed. For that reason, you would need to get something that is at least 1 inch by 6 inches. In other words, get the boards that are at least 19mm or 40mm for the backing board. And while cutting the boards, use the saw.

We recommend cutting two boards because you will need to use two of them if you have more vertical space. However, if there is a limited amount of space, one will be more than enough.

Step 3: Use the Drill Machine

Most of the easy part is done at this moment. From this step, things will get a bit complicated. However, do not worry because we will make things easy. That said, take the drill machine and make two pilot holes on the headboard. These two holes will be at the very end.

While making the holes, do keep in mind that the holes must fit the edge of the footboard and headboard. Using the marker, mark the position of the backing board. And if the footboard and the headboard have an equal height, place the mark on the very top.

However, the boards might not always be equal. If that is the case for you, you must take the measurements from the very bottom and mark accordingly. But the drilling does not end there.

After marking the bottom or the top of the boards, you would need to mark the placement of the backing boards on both the footboard and headboard. Draw lines where the boards are going to be placed.

Then, use the marker to mark the positions of the boards on both the footboard and headboard. But do factor in the pilot marks of the backing board while you are marking these points. Use the drill and make pilot holes on those markings. These will be for the screws.

While you are making holes, do remember to leave the same amount of spacing in between the backing boards if you are working with two of them. If you are working with one, there will be no need to worry about the spacing.

Step 4: Sand the Edges

It is pretty crucial to get a smooth finish on the boards. And to get that, you should start with the power sander. Install a coarser grit at first and then a finer grit paper. Do note that you would need to do most of the sanding with the finer one.

The goal here is to get soft and fine edges. So, after you are done with the power sander, use sanding paper that has an extremely fine grit. Work with it until the edges are soft to the touch and have an excellent overall appearance.

Step 5: Stain the Boards

After sanding the boards, it would be time to make them look good. Pick a stain that will make the boards merge with the original paint of your bed. If you get something off, the boards will stick out, which will not make the end project look nice.

On that note, we would highly recommend doing multiple layers of stain on the boards. But do allow each of the layers to dry properly.

Step 6: Secure the Boards

The last step is to secure the boards or board into the footboard and headboard. You will need a total of four screws if you are working with two boards and two if you are working with one. Place the boards in the marked holes and fasten the screws in place.

It would be better not to use too much torque while you are fastening the screws. That will increase the chances of the screws getting too deep or stripping. And that is something that you would not want, right? So, start slow!

Final Words

As you can see, learning how to turn a regular bed into a daybed is pretty straightforward if you have the right tools and know which steps you would need to follow. So, instead of going through the listing and trying to find a good deal on the daybeds, just convert your old bed!

References:

• https://www.bobvila.com/articles/diy-daybed/
• https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-convert-an-unused-bed-into-a-daybed